Word origin of 'sag'

sag for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (sæg)

Word forms: sags, sagging, sagged

Definitions

1. verb

When something sags, it hangs down loosely or sinks downwards in the middle. [V] ⇒ The shirt's cuffs won't sag and lose their shape after washing. [V] ⇒ The roof sagged at one corner, where the ceiling beams had snapped with rot. [V-ing] ⇒ He sat down in the sagging armchair.

2. verb

When part of someone's body begins to sag, it starts to become less firm and hang down. [V] ⇒ He is heavily built, but beginning to sag. [V-ing] ⇒ ...flabby thighs and sagging bottoms.

3. verb

To sag means to become weaker. [V] ⇒ The pound continued to sag despite four interventions by the Bank of England. [V] ⇒ Some of the tension Altman builds up starts to sag. [V-ing] ⇒ They failed to revive her sagging spirits.

Example sentences containing 'sag'

Unfortunately, she looked more as though she was going to sag to her knees and collapse.Babson, Marian DEATH IN FASHIONRory Hartshorn was starting to sag between the men that held him.Robin Hobb THE GOLDEN FOOL: BOOK TWO OF THE TAWNY MANOlly let herself sag against Abasio, gripping his arm in panic.Tepper, Sheri S. A PLAGUE OF ANGELSDerry couldn't conceal the relief that made him sag slightly against the crutches.Elizabeth Lowell A WOMAN WITHOUT LIES